YouTuber Praneeth Hanumantu recently faced criticism from Tollywood celebrities for making a joke about an inappropriate sexual relationship between a father and daughter. Actor Sai Dharam Tej, also known as Sai Durgha Tej, publicly condemned him, leading to an FIR being filed against Praneeth at the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB). Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also responded to Sai’s post.
Following Sai’s post on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing Praneeth’s statements as ‘gruesome, disgusting, and scary,’ Telangana’s Director General of Police, Ravi Gupta, responded by confirming that an FIR had been lodged against the YouTuber. Gupta emphasized the seriousness of addressing inappropriate comments involving children, stating, “An FIR has been filed with @TGCyberBureau, and strict actions will follow.” He reiterated the commitment of Telangana Police and government to safeguard all citizens, particularly children, against misuse of social media for humor, pledging intensified efforts in raising awareness on #ChildSafety and responsible social media use. Sai expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for responding sir…please do the needful.”
Addressing the inappropriate comments on a child, an FIR has been filed with @TGCyberBureau, and strict actions will follow.
We are committed to protecting all citizens, especially children. Offenders misusing social media for humor will face justice, and our team @TelanganaCOPs… https://t.co/dlsAwvzwks
— DGP TELANGANA POLICE (@TelanganaDGP) July 7, 2024
An FIR was lodged against Praneeth Hanumantu. Telangana CM Revanth acknowledged Sai’s concern, emphasizing that ensuring child safety is a top government priority and promising to investigate and act accordingly.
Thank you for bringing to our notice this issue @IamSaiDharamTej garu.
Child safety is utmost priority for our Govt. Will look into this incident and take appropriate action. https://t.co/5fTG4ZiQYi
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) July 7, 2024
Manchu Manoj and Nara Rohith publicly criticized Praneeth. Manoj took to X, tagging Telangana CM Revanth, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, officials of Texas, and the US Embassy in India, urging them to take action against Praneeth.
Manoj expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s shocking to see individuals like @phanumantwo using social media to spread abuse and hate disguised as humor. This behavior is not just repulsive but also poses serious dangers. Over a year ago, I tried reaching out to him on Instagram to support women facing hardships in AP and Telangana, hoping he could use his influence positively. Unfortunately, I received no response. Now, he’s making disgraceful comments about children.” He emphasized, “Protecting children and supporting women must be our top priorities. Silence and inaction are not acceptable.”
It’s appalling and intolerable to see individuals like @phanumantwo using social platforms to spread abuse and hate under the guise of humour. This behaviour is not only disgusting but also dangerous.
Over a year ago, I reached out to him through Instagram to support women… https://t.co/jQVlZEPqph
— Manoj Manchu🙏🏻❤️ (@HeroManoj1) July 7, 2024
Nara Rohith also called on government authorities to act against Praneeth, emphasizing that while freedom of expression is vital in democracy, it must be accompanied by responsibility. He expressed dismay over the offensive remarks concerning a young girl and her father, labeling them as unacceptable. Rohith urged governments to enforce strict measures against such audacious behavior, advocating for regulations on digital content without delay.
Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy, but it must come with responsibility. It is disheartening to see the comments made by this group. These unacceptable remarks about a little girl and her relationship with her father are reprehensible. Governments should take… https://t.co/YVSYhWZLI8
— Rohith Nara (@IamRohithNara) July 7, 2024
Praneeth apologized via Instagram, asserting that his comments were not meant to trivialize child sexual abuse or pedophilia. He described his remarks as an ill-conceived attempt at dark humor that had backfired. During a live session with fellow YouTubers, Praneeth made an inappropriate reference to a father-daughter relationship, which has sparked significant controversy.
On X (formerly Twitter), he pleaded for criticism to be directed at him personally, asking that his family be spared from the fallout. He expressed deep gratitude towards his parents, acknowledging them as exceptional guardians despite his own shortcomings.
